Vegetation analysis of Ibrak Nouta in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya

Abstract

This study investigates the ecological characteristics and vegetation composition the Ibrak Nouta area, located in Soussa, Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya. Where the region had not been previously subjected to ecological studies. The study was conducted during the spring of 2023 using the quadrat method, with 20 quadrats (5×5 m²) distributed along four transects. The aim was to identify the dominant plant species and evaluate soil characteristics that influence plant distribution. The study focused on mains ecological parameters such as frequency, density, and coverage, which were used to calculate the Importance Value Index (IVI) for each species. The data from 20 quadrat's IVI was entered into a community analysis package (CAP) program, for the Classification and ordination of Communities. Using a technique called TWINSPAN, which incorporates the Dendrogram and DCA, the vegetation in the study area was classified into four communities based on the species' predominance in each community and the similarity between the quadrates The highest IVI was recorded for Pistacia lentiscus (48.3), followed by Juniperus phoenicea ssp. turbinata (20.03), Paronychia arabica (12.7), and Ornithogalum divergens (6.3). These results indicate the prevalence of hardy, stress-tolerant species in the area. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The soils were found to be clay and slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.8–8.0), with moderate organic matter content and high calcium carbonate levels. These soil features are typical of the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region and play a significant role in supporting specific plant communities This research provides essential ecological data to guide future conservation efforts and supports the sustainable management of plant habitats in the region.